This Vincent Rapide got away, but there are more like it here.

1948 Vincent Rapide Series B

Bid to $40,000 on 8/30/22

This 1948 Vincent Rapide was originally imported through Regules & Ramela in Montevideo, Uruguay, and sold to its original owner by Casa Guillermo Greising S.A. The bike was acquired by the seller in 1992 and subsequently imported to the US. It is powered by a 998cc OHV V-twin paired with a four-speed transmission and features twin Amal carburetors, a two-into-one exhaust system, a Brampton fork, a steering damper, a two-up seat, and both side and rear stands. Modifications include aluminum rims, twin coil ignition, a modified magneto cover, and an adapted on/off switch. Service in June 2022 included changing the oil, cleaning the fuel tank and carburetors, and replacing the battery, rear tire and tube, and petcock gaskets. This Series B Rapide is now offered with its original registration documentation, the removed magneto, magneto cover and rims, and a clean Florida title in the seller’s name.

The bike is finished in black with gold stripes and is equipped with a height-adjustable two-up seat, a hinged rear fender, both side and rear stands, and polished fenders. The fuel tank is said to have been refinished under previous ownership, though dents and scratches are present. The seller notes dents, scratches, and corrosion on the muffler. The toolbox is not installed, but it is included in the sale.

Replacement aluminum 19″ wire-spoke wheels wear a 3.25″ front Michelin and a 3.50″ rear Kenda tires, which was replaced in June 2022. The seller reports that the front tire is old and is in need of replacement. Braking is from dual-plate single leading-shoe drums up front and a single unit out back. Suspension consists of a Brampton girder fork along with a triangulated swingarm mounted with twin enclosed springs.

The cockpit features a low-rise handlebar, a steering damper, and a Smiths 180-km/h speedometer, while an ammeter is mounted in the headlight bucket. The five-digit odometer shows 3,600 kilometers (~2,200 miles), approximately 70 of which have been ridden by the seller. Total mileage is unknown. The ignition on/off switch has been replaced with one from a different motorcycle.

The 998cc OHV V-twin features aluminum alloy construction and breathes through twin Amal carburetors along with a two-into-one exhaust system. The piston rings are said to have been replaced under previous ownership, at which time valve work was performed. Service in June 2022 is said to have included cleaning the fuel tank and carburetors, replacing the battery and petcock gaskets, and changing the oil.

Power is sent to the rear wheel through a multi-plate wet clutch, a four-speed gearbox shifted on the right, and a drive chain.

The bike is titled by the number F10AB1677, which is stamped on the engine case as F10AB/1/677. Photos showing the numbers stamped on the upper and lower frames are viewable in the gallery.

Photo Gallery

Auction Result

High Bid	USD $40,000 (Reserve Not Met)
Auction Ended	August 30, 2022 at 11:25AM PT
Bids	15

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1,107 watchers

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